Linfei found a sheltered alcove near the cave's entrance, a quiet sanctuary bathed in faint spiritual light. He planted his feet firmly and closed his eyes, entering deep meditation. For two full days and nights, Linfei cultivated with calm focus, channeling the pure Qi essence of the lotus into his dantian.
The lotus's spiritual Qi stabilized his circulation and sharpened his perception. Little by little, his inner energy thickened, flowing more smoothly with greater power. His muscles tightened, bones strengthened, and his skin tingled with renewed vitality.
At last, after the second night under the cave's roof, Linfei felt a sudden burst—a surging pressure in his core, like a fire igniting from within. His Qi liberation shifted, expanding beyond its previous boundary. He had successfully broken through to the Fourth Level of Qi Refining.
Breath deep and steady, Linfei opened his eyes with a spark of satisfaction. He was stronger, faster, and more resilient now. The lotus had gifted him the strength to cross a new threshold.
Turning toward the fallen crocodile, Linfei carefully removed its prized skin—tough, supple, and gleaming faintly with spiritual energy. He also extracted the massive fangs, sharp and powerful, known throughout the pavilions as invaluable in pill refinement and armoring cultivators. These would fetch a high price and save him resources for future cultivation.
As Linfei explored deeper into the cave's dim recesses, his eyes caught sight of a worn scroll tucked inside a cracked stone chest. Carefully unrolling it, he realized it was a martial arts manual—the cover embossed with the characters "Swift Serpent Steps", a renowned first-grade body movement technique.
His heart lifted. Linfei had long felt his weakest link was agility and evasive skill—the means to escape disaster when brute strength alone wouldn't suffice. This manual promised movement like flowing water, swift and unpredictable. Learning it could transform his combat style, saving his life in battles yet to come.
Beside the manual lay a small pouch filled with gleaming silver coins and several neatly sealed pill bottles. The pills smelled faintly of rare herbs and spiritual essence—just what he needed to refine and support his cultivation.